As India advances towards its Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision, the active participation of women will be crucial in shaping the nation’s economic, social, and political trajectory. The inclusion of the female workforce in India’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) is not just a matter of social equity but it is a critical economic and strategic imperative. As India aims to become an industrial powerhouse and a $10 trillion economy by 2030, the contribution of women in key sectors like technology, manufacturing, and digital transformation will determine the country’s global competitiveness.
Currently, women contribute only 18% to India’s GDP, far below the global average of 37%, indicating significant untapped potential. India’s female labor force participation (FLFP) rate is around 24% (World Bank, 2022), one of the lowest globally. Increasing FLFP to 50% (comparable to OECD countries) could lead to a substantial rise in productivity and innovation. Countries with higher female workforce participation, like China (61%) and Vietnam (73%), have demonstrated stronger industrial growth.
In order to create an ecosystem for female’s economic, social, and political participation, the Modi government’s gender-inclusive policies, spanning workplace benefits, pension security, governance, and skill development, reflect a holistic approach to women’s empowerment. By breaking structural barriers and introducing progressive reforms, the government is ensuring that women are not just beneficiaries but active architects of India’s transformation. These initiatives recognize that true progress can only be achieved when women have equal access to opportunities, financial security, and leadership roles.
Strengthening Women’s Participation in Governance
Recognizing that women’s participation is crucial for India’s progress, the Modi government has implemented several landmark reforms aimed at increasing female representation in governance, administration, and economic decision-making. These measures not only promote gender inclusivity but also empower women as leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs, shaping India’s development trajectory.
Historic Women’s Reservation Bill: 33% Reservation in Legislatures
A major milestone in gender-inclusive governance was the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023), which mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. This reform ensures greater participation of women in policymaking, governance, and national leadership, marking a historic step toward gender parity in Indian politics.
For decades, women’s representation in legislatures remained stagnant at around 14% in the Lok Sabha and 10% in State Assemblies, despite constituting nearly 50% of the population. The Women’s Reservation Bill guarantees a substantial increase in women’s political participation, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making at the highest levels. This move is expected to inspire more women to enter politics, strengthening inclusive and diverse leadership across the country.
Empowering Women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Economic empowerment is a critical aspect of gender equality, and the Modi government has given a major push to women-led entrepreneurship through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Under this initiative, over 83 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed, directly benefiting nearly 9 crore women by providing them with financial support, skill training, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
SHGs have been instrumental in transforming rural women’s lives, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities such as handicrafts, food processing, textile production, and agribusiness. Many SHG members have now become financially independent, reducing their dependence on traditional employment sources and contributing to household income and local economies.
The government has also introduced targeted measures to ensure these SHGs receive easy access to credit and market linkages, allowing women to scale their businesses and become key drivers of rural economic growth.
Women-Led Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion
Recognizing the pivotal role of women in entrepreneurship, the government has promoted financial independence through the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY). Under this initiative, nearly 70% of Mudra loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to start and expand businesses without collateral constraints.
Since its launch in 2015, the Mudra Yojana has disbursed over Rs 24 lakh crore, significantly benefiting women entrepreneurs in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and services. Women-led micro-enterprises have particularly thrived under this scheme, fostering job creation, financial inclusion, and economic self-reliance among women in urban and rural areas.
Why These Reforms Matter
These initiatives strengthen women’s presence in governance, economic decision-making, and entrepreneurship, fostering an inclusive growth model where women play a central role in nation-building. The combination of political representation, economic empowerment, and social reforms ensures that women are not just beneficiaries but active participants in India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047. By implementing these transformative policies, the Modi government has set a precedent for gender-inclusive governance, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to lead, innovate, and drive India’s progress.
Workplace Benefits: Child Care Leave and Maternity Reforms
Studies show that gender-diverse workplaces have 25–35% higher productivity. Women in leadership roles also improve organizational performance and decision-making.The Modi government has taken landmark initiatives to support working women, particularly in government services, by introducing progressive workplace policies that promote gender inclusivity, financial security, and work-life balance. These reforms reflect a compassionate and pragmatic approach, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by women in balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Child Care Leave (CCL) for Single Mothers
Single mothers in government service can now avail themselves of 730 days (2 years) of paid Child Care Leave (CCL) throughout their career, allowing them the flexibility to take time off in a phased manner. This ensures they can manage their childcare responsibilities without compromising job security. Earlier, women employees who availed themselves of CCL beyond 365 days in their careers had to take leave on half-pay, causing financial strain. The government has now revised this policy to allow full-pay CCL for a longer period, offering greater financial stability to single mothers. This reform is a huge relief for working women who need time to support their children’s education, health, and emotional well-being without the fear of losing income or career opportunities.
Permission to Travel Abroad During Child Care Leave
In a significant policy shift, women employees on Child Care Leave (CCL) are now permitted to travel abroad with their children. Earlier restrictions prevented government employees from leaving the country while on CCL, limiting their ability to accompany their children for education, medical treatment, or family visits. By allowing this flexibility, the government ensures that women working in diplomatic services, academia, research, and multinational organizations can manage their careers effectively while fulfilling their parental responsibilities. This reform is particularly beneficial in a globalized professional environment, where women are increasingly required to balance their personal lives with international engagements.
Extended Maternity Benefits for Women Facing Pregnancy Loss
Recognizing the emotional and physical toll of pregnancy loss, the government has introduced paid maternity leave provisions for women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth. This ensures that affected women do not face financial distress or job insecurity during their recovery period. By extending maternity benefits to these cases, the government acknowledges the psychological and physiological challenges women endure, providing them with the necessary time and support to heal. This policy shift aligns with progressive global labor standards, ensuring that workplaces in India become more empathetic and inclusive for women.
These initiatives significantly contribute to improving the work-life balance of women employees by allowing them to take time off for childcare responsibilities without career setbacks. The financial security provided through paid leave ensures that women do not have to choose between their jobs and their family responsibilities. Furthermore, by introducing flexibility in workplace policies, the Modi government is actively encouraging greater female workforce participation, ensuring that talented women remain in public service roles. These reforms also align India’s employment policies with global best practices, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender equality and workforce inclusivity.
Skill Development and Digital Empowerment for Women
Women account for only 14% of STEM jobs in India. Bridging this gap is critical for meeting the demand for skilled professionals. The Modi government has placed a strong emphasis on equipping women with the necessary skills to excel in the digital economy, STEM fields, and leadership roles. By integrating technological advancements, vocational training, and digital access, these initiatives bridge the gender gap in education and employment, ensuring women are future-ready in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Skill Training for Women: Over 68 Lakh Beneficiaries
Under the Skill India Mission, the government has provided vocational training to over 68 lakh women, helping them secure jobs in diverse sectors such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), healthcare, finance, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) have been instrumental in enhancing employability among women by offering industry-relevant training, entrepreneurship guidance, and financial literacy programs. The integration of technical and digital skills ensures that women can access higher-paying job opportunities in sectors where they have been traditionally underrepresented.
Additionally, through special initiatives for rural women, many have been trained in self-employment skills such as handicrafts, dairy farming, textile production, and e-commerce, enabling them to become independent entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth.
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Increasing Female Enrollment in Education
The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, has been a game changer in promoting female education across India. The program, which initially focused on improving the child sex ratio, has evolved into a comprehensive initiative supporting girls’ education and empowerment.
One of the most significant achievements of this initiative has been the rise in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of girls in higher education, which has now surpassed that of boys at multiple educational levels. The latest data indicates that the female enrollment in secondary and higher secondary education has increased significantly. In many states, the number of women pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate education has outpaced their male counterparts, particularly in fields such as science, medicine, and management.
Through targeted scholarships, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development, BBBP has ensured greater access to education for girls, empowering them to pursue higher studies and professional careers.
Digital India Initiatives: Bridging the Gender Digital Divide
The Digital India mission has played a pivotal role in ensuring women’s access to technology-driven education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Key initiatives include PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) and this initiative has expanded public Wi-Fi networks, particularly in rural and remote areas, providing affordable internet access to women for education, entrepreneurship, and financial services. PM eVIDYA launched during the pandemic, this initiative has provided online learning opportunities, ensuring that women and girls can continue their education through digital platforms, even in the most underserved regions.
By enhancing digital infrastructure and e-learning programs, the government has democratized access to education and skilling opportunities, ensuring that women are equipped to participate in the modern economy.
These initiatives collectively empower women to thrive in the digital economy, enhancing their skills, education, and employment opportunities. By integrating skill development, digital literacy, and higher education, the Modi government is laying the foundation for a future where women are not just participants but leaders in India’s growth story. Through these measures, the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 becomes more inclusive and sustainable, ensuring that women play a central role in shaping India’s digital and economic transformation.
Pension Security and Financial Independence for Women
One of the most transformative reforms in women’s welfare under the Modi government has been the amendment of pension rules, ensuring greater financial security for women, particularly in challenging life circumstances. These progressive changes acknowledge women’s evolving societal roles, offering legal and financial safeguards that empower them to lead independent and dignified lives.
Pension Rights for Divorced and Separated Daughters
Previously, divorced and separated daughters struggled for years to claim their deceased parents’ pension, as they had to prove financial dependency through complex legal proceedings. The new pension reform eliminates these bureaucratic hurdles, allowing them to directly claim their rightful pension without unnecessary legal delays. This change is particularly significant because many divorced or separated women face financial hardship, often with no steady income or support system. Legal battles for maintenance or financial assistance can be long, expensive, and emotionally draining. The reform ensures that women facing marital breakdowns do not have to depend entirely on alimony or external support but can rely on their family pension for sustenance. By streamlining the pension claim process, the government has ensured that women in vulnerable circumstances can access financial security without undue struggle.
Family Pension for Remarried Childless Widows
In another landmark reform, childless widows who remarry can now continue to receive their deceased husband’s family pension if their income remains below the minimum pension threshold. Earlier, a widow who remarried automatically lost her pension, discouraging many from rebuilding their lives due to fear of financial instability. This amendment recognizes that marriage should not be a financial constraint for widowed women. Childless widows often lack traditional family support, making financial assistance crucial, and encouraging remarriage should not come at the cost of economic insecurity. This provision is a progressive step towards gender-sensitive policies, ensuring that widows can start anew without compromising their financial well-being.
Protection for Women Pensioners Facing Marital Discord
Recognizing the rising number of domestic violence cases, the government has introduced a crucial pension reform that allows women pensioners facing marital disputes to nominate their children instead of their husbands for family pension. This applies to women undergoing divorce proceedings, those who have filed cases under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and victims of harassment under the Dowry Prohibition Act. Earlier, women in such situations had no direct control over pension nominations, leaving them financially vulnerable if their husbands misused or denied them access. With this reform, women can now secure their children’s future and ensure financial stability for their dependents.
A Gender-Sensitive Approach to Pension Security
These reforms reflect a forward-thinking and inclusive governance model, ensuring that pension security is aligned with modern societal realities. By addressing financial vulnerabilities faced by divorced daughters, remarried widows, and women in distress, the Modi government has taken a progressive step toward women’s financial empowerment. Through these reforms, India is moving towards a future where financial independence is a right, not a privilege, ensuring that women can navigate life’s uncertainties with dignity and security.
These reforms aim to create an ecosystem where women can lead, innovate, and thrive. The coming years will likely witness further advancements in gender empowerment, strengthening women’s financial independence, legal rights, and professional growth. The Modi government has set a benchmark in policy-driven gender equity, reinforcing the idea that women’s empowerment is not just about assistance but about unlocking their potential as change makers. As India strides forward, these initiatives will shape a future where women play a defining role in nation-building, ensuring that Viksit Bharat is truly inclusive and progressive.
The female workforce is indispensable to India’s success in IR4.0. By addressing barriers, promoting diversity, and enabling access to technology and education, India can unleash the full potential of its women workforce. This will not only enhance industrial productivity but also position India as a global industrial powerhouse. Women’s active participation in IR4.0 is critical for achieving the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
(Author is a Public Policy Analyst & Management Consultant and can be reached on: [email protected]
